The Undergraduate Major in Philosophy

At UCSB there are two tracks that lead to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. The Core Philosophy Track exposes the student to a wide range of philosophical issues and areas and to the major philosophers in the tradition. The Ethics and Public Policy Track is designed for students who intend to pursue careers in law, government, and medicine, and in general for those who are interested in moral and legal problems confronting the community and in the responsibilities of the various professions.

Track 1: Core Philosophy (48 total units)

The Core Philosophy Track is designed for students with a general interest in philosophy and also for those considering going on to do graduate work. In preparation for the major the student must take either Critical Thinking (Philosophy 3) or Beginning Modern Logic (Philosophy 183). Requirements for the Upper Division Major are of two kinds. In the major areas of Philosophy (Ethics, Theory of Knowledge, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, and Metaphysics) you take three courses. And you are required to take three courses on important individual philosophers.

This track is designed for students who seek thorough and rigorous training in philosophy either as a step towards graduate study in philosophy or as a way of mastering a discipline at the undergraduate level. All courses that apply to the major must be completed on a letter-grade basis.

Required

  • Up to three lower-division courses in Philosophy (Recommended: PHIL 20A-B-C)

  • Philosophy 183

  • At least 36 upper division units which must include:

    1. Three courses from Philosophy 100A, B, C, D, E, F, 116.

    2. Three courses from: Philosophy 133, 141, 151, 152, 153, 154, 156, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166A, 173, 175A, 175B, 176.

    3. Additional electives to make 36 upper division units (and a total of 48 units).

  • Up to 4 units may be taken from courses in a cognate department, subject to the approval of the undergraduate adviser.

  • Philosophy 20A-B-C (up to 4 units of this may be substituted for one course under upper-division Requirement B, below but such units will not count toward the 36 upper-division units required)

Regulations for the Core Philosophy track are listed in the General Catalog.

Students preparing for graduate study in philosophy are encouraged to supplement this minimal program with additional courses in individual historical figures and/or courses from Philosophy 150A, B, C, D, E, and 184.

2024-2025 Core Philosophy Degree Sheet

2023-2024 Core Philosophy Degree Sheet

Track 2: Ethics and Public Policy (48 total units)

In preparation for a major in the Ethics and Public Policy Track, the student must take a logic course (either Critical Thinking or Beginning Modern Logic). For the upper division major you will take Introduction to Ethics (Philosophy 100A), one course from major areas of Philosophy (Theory of Knowledge, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, and Metaphysics), and at least four courses (selected from a list) on moral, political, and legal philosophy and related areas.

In each track you must take 48 units, so a good deal of elective work is required. For your elective work there are many options. Some of you will want to take more advanced courses in the major areas or study more of the major philosophers. Since philosophy is a discipline that shares the interests and concerns of many other fields, you may want to pursue your interests in these other areas philosophically; you may study Philosophy of Religion, of Science, of History, of Mathematics, and of Law; Aesthetics, Philosophical Psychology, and Philosophy in Literature. You may also want to take courses on issues of special interest, such as the freedom of the will, or punishment and responsibility; or to study areas such as Existentialism. Additionally up to 4 units in the Core track and 8 units in the Ethics and Public Policy track may be taken from courses in a cognate department, subject to the approval of the undergraduate adviser. Normally, your upper division work will be done in small classes where the emphasis will be on class discussion and on writing.

All courses that apply to the major must be completed on a letter-grade basis.

Required

  • Up to three lower-division courses in Philosophy (Recommended: PHIL 4 or 7). 

  • Philosophy 183.

  • 36 upper division units which must include:

  • Philosophy 100A

    • One course from: Philosophy 100B, C, D, E, F, 116.

    • At least four courses from: Philosophy 108, 121, 122, 126, 129, 130, 131, 133, 134, 137, 138, 139, 141, 143, 144, 145, 149, 150A, 188.

    • Plus additional electives to make 36 upper division units (and a total of 48 units).

    • Up to 8 units may be taken from courses in a cognate department, subject to the approval of the undergraduate adviser.

  • Philosophy 4, 6 or 7.

Regulations for the Ethics and Public Policy track are listed in the General Catalog.

2024-2025 Ethics and Public Policy Philosophy Degree Sheet

2023-2024 Ethics and Public Policy Philosophy Degree Sheet